Telephone handset especially for use in a vehicle

ABSTRACT

The telephone apparatus, particularly for use in a motor vehicle, has a hand-held receiver apparatus ( 3 ) (Handy) and an insert part ( 1 ) for receiving the same. The insert part ( 1 ) has preferably at least one function key ( 31   a-c ) as well as particularly at least one display element ( 33   a-c ). The function key or keys ( 31   a-c ) is or are arranged and structured in such a manner that they can be found and operated without eye contact. 
     The insert part ( 1 ) and the hand-held receiver apparatus ( 3 ) have particularly coupling parts ( 24   a   , 24   b ) of a coupling ( 23 ) for the signal transmission that can be separated from each other or can grip into each other. At least one of the coupling parts ( 24   a ), particularly the one within the insert part ( 1 ), has a protective arrangement against the penetration of liquids and/or foreign bodies when the hand-held receiver apparatus is decoupled. 
     The telephone apparatus ( 3 ) is structured in such a way that, when it is separated from the insert part ( 1 ) as well as when it is coupled with the same, not only simple communications technical functions can be carried out, but also further services and reports can also be performed partially automatically and/or by means of operators without problems in a function secure manner, particularly in a “rough” environment.

The invention concerns a telephone apparatus according to patent claim 1or according to the preamble of patent claim 7.

Different varieties of telephone apparatus for motor vehicles existalready.

A portable mobile telephone is know from German utility model G9,311,294.7. It is held by means of a form-fitting and film connectionwithin a holder. The holder is, for example, screwed to the side wall ofa central console between the driver and passenger seats inside themotor vehicle.

A holder for a mobile telephone is known from EP 0,545,670 A2 which ismade up by two parts that fit one into the other. The outer part isscrewed firmly on a support. The inner part represents a kind of rocker,wherein the hand-held receiver apparatus is placed from the front. Therocker can be tilted about a horizontal axis. In the forward position,the rocker is ready for receiving the apparatus. When the rocker istilted back, it is held by a rest mechanism. The mechanism is releasedby means of a handle arranged on the bottom side of the rocker which isoperated by pushing down the hand-held receiver apparatus into theholder.

A two-part holder for a hand-held receiver apparatus is described inGerman utility model G 9,311,242.4. Here, an independently standing clippart is attached onto the hand-held receiver apparatus, which has atongue that can be inserted into a slit of the holder. A HF shield andantenna part is further disclosed, which is connected to an on-boardantenna system of the motor vehicle by means of a coaxial cable. Theantenna part has a coupling that couples onto the antenna part of themobile telephone generating a galvanized connection between the antennapart of the hand-held receiver apparatus and the on-board antenna of themotor vehicle. If the hand-held transmitter apparatus has speakercapabilities, then it can be left in the holder for telephoning. If itis not desired that other persons riding in the motor vehicle can hearthe conversation, then the receiver apparatus can be removed from theholder, so that the user can telephone by holding the earpiece to hisear. The hand-held receiver apparatus is connected, in both cases, bymeans of an antenna line with the on-board antenna of the motor vehicle.If the apparatus is to be used outside of the motor vehicle, then theclip part and the shield or antenna part are removed.

The object of the invention is to provide a telephone apparatus with aholder for a handheld receiver apparatus that provides, aside from thepurely communications engineering functions, also other services andreports, is partially automatic, and can be carried out by the operatorwithout problem and in a secure fashion, particularly in “rough”surroundings.

The eventualities of normal life such as, for example, spilled beveragesthat could splash into the below-described insert cover when thehand-held receiver apparatus has been removed, coins that have falleninto the same, and other objects as well as crumbs of food that havefallen into the same are particularly considered under “roughsurroundings”.

The manner in which this object is attained is the subject of patentclaims 1 and 7. The preferred embodiments are described in the dependentclaims.

The telephone apparatus of the invention obtains universal applicationcapabilities by means of the integration of further services and reportsaside from the communications engineering functions. These universalapplication capabilities are obtained in that the telephone apparatusconsists of a hand-held receiver apparatus and an insert part thatreceives the same. The insert part has at least one function key andpreferably at least one display elements. The function key or keys is orare decoupled from the general dialing functions of a telephone keypad,which results in the additional functions described below, which are notcommon to a general (conventional) telephone. As explained below, thesignal and energy efficient coupling between the insert part and thetelephone apparatus is preferably structured so that it is “idiotproof.” This “idiot proof” structure is preferred in the uses describedherein; it can, of course, also be used for all the uses of a hand-heldreceiver apparatus that can be removed from a holder (insert part), nomatter if it is a so-called Handy with a transmitter technicalconnection to the terrestrial or satellite sender/receiver installationor merely a sender/receiver installation located nearby, such as with awireless hand-held receiver apparatus.

The interface between hand-held receiver apparatus and insert part ispreferably structured so that the coupling function is not affected evenby neglect.

The above-named object is attained further in that the insert part forthe hand-held receiver apparatus is structured in such a manner that itserves for receiving the hand-held receiver apparatus and, at the sametime, has a signal transmitter means as interface that is seal-tightagainst the penetration of liquids and/or foreign bodies. In this way,there can be no disturbance of the connection between the insert partand the hand-held receiver apparatus even when there is carelessness.The interface serves as energy supply for the hand-held receiverapparatus as well as for signal transmission, particularly of antennasignals. The interface is preferably a galvanized break-away coupling(transmission). There can also be an inductive, optic, . . .transmission, particularly of telecommunications signals. The signalsand energy supply can be transmitted by means of a single coupling orseveral separate couplings.

The telephone apparatus of the invention is structured in such a mannerthat it can be used preferably in motor vehicles, wherein as motorvehicles are understood, for example, trucks and also wagons of a train,as well as any kind of self-propelling apparatus. A telephone apparatussuch as the one of the invention also can be installed in conferencerooms, hotel rooms, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the insert part has a quiver-shaped lowerpart for the lower front side of the hand-held receiver apparatus.Function keys or display elements can be arranged on the outside of thequiver. Instead of arranging them herein, they can also preferably bepartially or completely placed in the upper part of the insert part.

The quiver or the lower part of the insert part can be opened or fixed.A display unit is preferably provided, which brings the hand-heldreceiver apparatus after unlocking of the lower part into a positionwherein it can be easily grasped. The hand-held receiver apparatus is,therefore, preferably pushed out of the inside of the quiver. As afurther advantage, therefore, results the safety against damages to theedge of the quiver. Preferably, a collar-shaped unit according to theabove description is used for the quiver-like lower part.

The rear wall of the quiver is preferably pulled over the upper edge,that is, lengthened upward. This lengthening serves as guidance elementwhere the hand-held receiver apparatus will be inserted.

The insert part is preferably shaped as a hand shell. The hand shell isshaped in such a manner that it has an indentation for the hand-heldreceiver apparatus, so that the same is an integrated component part ofthe hand shell or appears to be and does not protrude from the same. Thehand shell also has a shape that is larger than the hand-held receiverapparatus. When the hand-held receiver apparatus is removed, the handshell looks as if the corresponding part had been “cut out.”

A speaker is preferably installed in the hand shell. A switch ensuresthat, when the handheld receiver is in the hand shell, the hearing andspeaking arrangements of the hand-held receiver apparatus areautomatically switched over to those of the hand shell. This switch can,for example, be activated by means of an automatically operated mechanicor electric sensor (activation element). The switching can also becarried out manually.

The insert part can preferably be removed from a console. The consolecan have a loudspeaker for hand-free telephoning. The insert partitself, for example, can also be screwed onto the inner fittings of themotor vehicle. In this case, the console is not required.

Clamps, clipping, or hook attachments as well as magnetic holders can beused for holding the insert part.

The insert part, as well as the hand-held receiver apparatus can besupplied with current via the console. The current can be used forsupplying or loading an accumulator of the hand receiver apparatus. Thesupply is carried out, preferably, by means of a cable between theconsole and the insert part.

Further preferred embodiments and feature combinations result from thefollowing detailed description and the totality of the patent claims.

The drawings will be further described for explaining the invention bymeans of embodiments, wherein

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a telephone apparatus according tothe invention,

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section through the telephone apparatus shownin FIG. 1 that has a hand-held receiver placed in an insert part,wherein here the electronic wiring as well as the function keys anddisplay elements are left out for reasons of clarity,

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section similar to the one of FIG. 2, but withthe lower part of the insert part open,

FIG. 4 is a function schematic for a seal-tight cover of a protectivearrangement for a signal and energy efficient coupling between thehand-held receiver apparatus and the insert part, as well as

FIG. 5 similarly to FIG. 4, is a schematic protective arrangement forthe insertion and removal of the coupling part of the coupling.

The wiring in the components and elements was left out or only suggestedso as not to overload the illustration.

The telephone apparatus according to the invention, which is illustratedin FIG. 1, has a hand-held receiver apparatus 3 that can be removed froman insert part 1. The insert part 1 is shaped as a hand shell and isalso removably held in a console 5. The insert part 1 and the console 5are connected with one another by means of a cable 6 that can beinserted and removed from both elements and therefore is removable. Theinsert part 1 can, therefor, be inserted on consoles at other locationsby means of corresponding plug and bushing standardization. The insertpart 1 and the console 5 are manufactured from plastic by means of a diecast process.

The console 5 is shaped approximately quadratic with an inner molding 7.The attachment of the console 5 on the dashboard of a motor vehicle, onthe side wall of the same, or on the side wall of another vehicle(train, bus, . . . ) is carried out, as a rule, by means of screws. Theinner molding 7 forms the counterpart to the hearing capsule part 9formed on the upper part of the insert part 1. The hearing capsule part9 carries the hearing capsule. The hearing capsule part 9, and thereforethe insert part 1, is held in the inner molding 7. Even locking andunlocking elements (for example, knobs, spring latches, . . . ) can beused, which allow a secure hold.

In the lower figure area of FIG. 1, the insert part 1 has a quiver-likeshaped lower part 11 with a speaking capsule part 12 that can be opened.The depth of the quiver is only so large that it makes possible holdingthe hand-held receiver apparatus 3, but allows the dialing keys 13 to beeasily within reach. A guidance plate 15 lengthens the rear wall 16 ofthe lower part 11 above the quiver edge 17. The lower part 11 receives,in this manner, a “slipper-like” appearance. A microphone 19 is arrangedon the rear wall 16. The hearing capsule in the hearing capsule 9 andthe microphone 19 can be activated by means of a contact pin 21. Anactivation can, however, also be possible by means of theabove-described coupling 23.

A coupling is provided in the bottom of the quiver 22, which acts as aninterface 23 for an energy and signal efficient coupling of thehand-held receiver apparatus 3. The coupling 23 has a coupling partshaped as a plug 24 a in the lower part 11 and a bushing 24 bcorresponding thereto that acts as another coupling part in the lowerfront side 37 of the hand-held receiver apparatus 3. As explained below,the interface 23 is provided with a protective or covering arrangement,which impedes the penetration of liquids and/or foreign bodies.

The mounting of the console 5 on a wall is carried out in such a mannerthat the hand-held receiver apparatus 3 can be inserted from above intothe lower part 11. The dialing keys 13 are left outside when insertingthe hand-held receiver apparatus 3, so that their operation is possibleeven in inserted condition.

In or on the lower part 11 of the opposite lying area of the insert part1 is arranged a holder part 25 for the hand-held receiver apparatus 3.The holder part 25 has a locking arrangement for the upper part of thehand-held receiver apparatus 3 in or on the insert part 1. The lockingarrangement can, as illustrated in FIG. 1, be slid by means of anantenna 27 of the hand-held receiver apparatus 3 for holding the same orcan have a locking knob for gripping onto the respective indentation inthe upper hand-held receiver apparatus part. Then, the one coupling partof the interface can be arranged into the sliding area of the holdingpart 25 in the insert part 1. If the holding part provided with a recoilspring snaps back into its former position after a manual operation whenthe hand-held receiver apparatus has been removed, it covers thecoupling part in an seal-tight manner. Instead of sliding the holderpart 25 traversally along the longitudinal axis of the hand-heldreceiver apparatus 3, it can also be shaped in such a way that it can beslid approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis. A couplingarranged in the upper area of the insert part (in FIGS. 1 to 3 of theright area) was then covered by the closing holder part after removal ofthe hand-held receiver apparatus. The holder part can be provided with aknob, which then grips hermetically with a corresponding nut in theupper front part of the hand-held receiver apparatus.

The hand-held telephone 3 is held in such a manner in the insert part 1,that the dialing keys 13 are freely accessible. Since now the insertpart 1 has on the “back” a hearing capsule as well as a microphone, thehand-held receiver apparatus 3 can be used for telephoning withouttwisting the hand.

Three function keys 31 a to 31 c are arranged and shaped on the frontside 29 of the lower part 11 in such a manner that they can be found andoperated without eye contact. So as to be able to feel these functionkeys 31 a to 31 c well, they present a profiled surface and have atriangular contour. The complete keypad 32 is shaped, for example, likea trapeze, as shown in FIG. 1. Two neighboring function keys 31 a/31 bor 31 b/31 c have the shape of a rhombus. However, also other shapes ofkeypad can be used. It is only important that the keypad 32 be withineyesight, so that it remains recognizable even at a large view angle andis impressed into the subconscious. In this way, it can be found evenwhen it is out of eye view or at a side view angle.

The function keys 31 a to 31 c are arranged for protecting againstaccidental operation. They are preferably arranged in a sunken-inmanner. A protruding edge 34 can also be provided around each individualkey 31 a to 31 c and/or, as shown in FIG. 1, they can be built aroundthe keypad 32. The blind feeling of the keys can be made easier in thismanner.

The function keys 31 a to 31 c can then, as shown in FIG. 1, be made ofequilateral triangles and the middle function key 31 b is larger thanthe both side keys. Both side function keys 31 a and 31 c can also beshaped as right-angled triangles, and their hypotenuses run preferablyparallel to a neighboring side of the middle function key 31 b.

The key functions of the function keys 31 a to 31 c differ from thefunctions of the dialing keys 13 of the hand-held receiver telephone 3.Opposite to those, these have functions that do not influence thegeneral telecommunications signals. Their functions are specificallydirected to the motor vehicle or location.

When the telephone apparatus of the invention is used in street traffic,such as for example in an automobile, a bus, a truck, or another meansof transportation, the function keys 31 a to 31 c can be assigned toissue an emergency call, an inquiry about traffic conditions, ororientation aid or a request for emergency road service.

A function key arrangement for calling the traveling companion, fordistance and/or connection information can be provided when using theapparatus in busses or trains, for example.

When it is installed in a hotel room, for example, the room service canbe called and also general location information can be obtained.

According to the specific use of the telephone apparatus of theinvention, more or less function keys can be used. Instead of arrangingthe function keys 31 a to 31 c in the front side 29 of the lower part11, the keys can also be arranged on the “head side” of the insert part.

If only individual function keys are used, they are used preferably inmotor vehicles for an emergency call function. A connection with theemergency call central can be obtained by means of this function key ina particular embodiment variation. If this connection is established,then one or all of the display elements blink.

It can also be possible to widen the display of the hand-held receiverapparatus by means of one of these function keys. The additional displayarea reaches from the display 38 to the “hearing capsule area.” Anadditional display can also be provided in the insert part.

Aside from the function keys 31 a to 31 c, the insert part 1 has displayelements 33 a to 33 c, which are integrated preferably aslight-transmitting diodes in the function keys 31 a to 31 c for thepurpose of saving space. These displays can serve for signalizing thecorresponding function key. Special display functions can also be calledup. A continuous, intermittent, or pulsating illumination with differentfrequencies and pulse widths can be used for this purpose. Opposite tothe illustration of FIG. 1, the display elements can also be arrangedseparately in the front side 29 of the lower part 11. In anotherarrangement variation of the function keys, the installation can becarried out in the “head side” of the insert part.

The advantage of arranging the function keys 31 a to 31 c and displayelements 33 a to 33 c in the insert part 1 lies in that they can beassigned functions specific for their respective uses, independentlyfrom the embodiment of the hand-held receiver apparatus 3. In thismanner, a standardized general (conventional) hand-held receiverapparatus 3 can always be used. The motor vehicles or localizedfunctions and requirements are acknowledged by a special insert part.

A collar unit 36 a and 36 b is arranged at the right and left of thecoupling 23 in lying position within the lower part 11, even thoughmerely one (36 b) of the two collar units 36 a and 36 b is visible inFIG. 2. The height of the collar units 36 a and 36 b is so dimensioned,that it corresponds to the tolerance of the width of the insert part 11from its rear wall 16 to its wall on the front side 29. The collar units36 a and 36 b have each a resting surface facing the opening of thelower part 11 on which the lower part 37 of the hand-held receiverapparatus 3 is supported. The standing surfaces lie vertical withrespect to the rear wall 30 of the insert part 1 that does not movetogether with the lower part 11, and parallel to the tilt axis 40 of thelower part 11.

The depth of the lower part 11 is selected so that the lower front sideof the hand-held receiver apparatus 3 can be held without problems whenthe lower part 11 is closed and the handheld receiver apparatus 3 can beeasily removed when the lower part is open, without damaging the quiveredge 17, so that particularly no parts will be broken off or torn.

The lower part of the insert part does not necessarily have to tilt up;it can also be fixed. In this way, neither the effect of theabove-described function keys and display elements nor thebelow-described effect of the connection means provided with aprotective arrangement are influenced.

The coupling 23 is here, for example, structured as a break-awaygalvanic coupling with several electric contacts. One coupling part 24 bis arranged in such a manner in the lower front part 37 of the hand-heldreceiver apparatus 3, that no parts protrude. The other coupling part 24a corresponding thereto is located in the lower part 11. When thehand-held receiver apparatus 3 is inserted, both coupling parts 24 a and24 b slide one into the other, forming an electric connection. Thecoupling 23 is now provided with a protective arrangement, whichprotects the electric contacts from the penetration of liquids and/orforeign bodies.

The protection against spilt water and/or foreign bodies, as mentionedabove, can now be carried out by sliding the holder piece 25 over thecoupling part located in the insert part, and the coupling is then nolonger arranged in the lower part 11, but in the sliding area of theholder piece; it is, then, located in the upper part of the insert part1.

An embodiment variation of the protection is shown schematically inFIGS. 4 and 5. For better understanding, the seal-tight cover functionof FIG. 4 is shown separately from the sliding function of theconnection part 41 in FIG. 5.

The lower part 11, when the hand-held receiver apparatus 3 is removed,has schematically illustrated tiltable tongues 45 a and 45 b in each oneof the side quiver walls 43 a and 43 b. The tongue tilting bearings 47 aand 47 b are arranged within the walls of the quiver walls 43 a and 43b. The tongue ends facing the tilt bearings 47 a and 47 b lie below thequiver bottom 22. On these tongue ends are held sliding plates 51 a and51 b, each movable by means of an axis 52 a or 52 b within alongitudinal slit 49 a or 49 b. Both sliding plates 51 a and 51 b have aslit 53 a or 53 b larger by one tolerance than half of the width of theplug-like connection parts 41. The slit width is larger by one tolerancethan the thickness of the connection part 41. Both sliding plates 51 aand 51 b form the opposite ends of the axis 52 a and 52 b and each istensioned in the longitudinal direction by means of a spring 54 a or 54b. FIG. 4 shows the elements in a position with the hand-held receiverapparatus 3 removed. When the hand-held receiver apparatus 3 is removed,the openings 53 a and 53 b are positioned in such a way, that the upperside of the coupling part 24 a in the lower part 11 is protected againstwater spillage.

If now the lower front side 37 of the hand-held receiver apparatus 3 ispushed into the lower part 11, then the tongues 45 a and 45 b arrangedwithin the quiver side walls 43 a and 43 b are pressed in the directionof the arrows 55 a and 55 b against the force of the springs 54 a and 54b. In this way, both sliding plates 51 a and 51 b are slid, until bothslits 53 a and 53 b are connected with one another one over the other.The entrance of the coupling part 24 a is now free for receiving theother coupling part 24 b in the lower front side 37 of the hand-heldreceiver apparatus 3.

The sliding function of the coupling part 24 a is explained withreference to the illustration of FIG. 5. This figure shows the conditionof the coupling part 24 a also with the hand-held receiver apparatus 3removed. In this way, the coupling part 24 a is held against the forceof the pressure springs 57 a and 57 b in a position below the quiverbottom 22. Both slits 53 a and 53 b in the sliding plates are, as shownin FIG. 5, in the position of protection against water spills. Thetongue 45 a shown in FIG. 5 (identical to the one shown in FIG. 4) isheld in the illustrated position. A deviated pulley 61 of the connectionpart 41 is attached by means of one or two rolls 59 and 60 to the axis52 a (identical with the one in FIG. 4). The connection part 41 can beslid vertical to the quiver bottom 22 along two longitudinal guides 63 aand 63 b. The edges of a plate serve, for example, as longitudinalguides 63 a and 63 b. The pulley 61 is held under tension by means of aspring 65 installed therein.

If the lower front part 37 of the hand-held receiver apparatus 3 ispushed in, then, as already explained, the tongue 45 a moves in thedirection of the arrow 55 a. In this manner, the coupling part 24 a canbe pushed upward by means of the force of the springs 57 a and 57 b.This, however, is still not possible, since both slits 53 a and 53 bcannot release the complete coupling part section. The released pulleypath of the pulley 61 is received by the spring 65. Only when both slits53 a and 53 b have been moved apart widely enough by pushing, then thecoupling part 24 a is propelled upward into the corresponding couplingpart 24 b in the upper front side 37 of the hand-held receiver apparatus3.

A second tongue can be used for sliding the coupling part 24 a to avoidthis delaying second movement. In this case, the three tongues can nolonger be provided with a straight insert line, but with a bent courseadapted to the required movement.

A rubber elastic seal-tight protective arrangement can also be usedinstead of the above-described mechanic protective arrangement. Thecoupling part arranged in the lower part or in another area of theinsert part 1 has a protective wall that also opens to the bottom. Thisprotective arrangement consists, expressed in a simplified manner, of aliquid-filled bubble under pressure, which has a membrane in the area ofthe lower opening of the protective wall. The wall of the bubble is madeof elastic material. The elasticity coefficient of the membrane issmaller than that of the rest of the bubble wall. Due to the bubblepressure, this membrane pushes into the free area of the protective walland thereby seals water-tight the contacts surrounded by the protectivewall. When the lower front part of the hand-held receiver apparatus isinserted in the lower part, the coupling part of the membrane is pushedout of the free space of the protective wall by means of itscorresponding coupling part.

Depending upon the embodiment of the hand-held receiver apparatus, thecoupling for the signal and/or energy efficient transmission can beprovided in the lower area of the insert part, on its side, or atanother location. In this way, the coupling parts can be structured sothat the signal and/or energy effective transmission is contactless,particularly inductive or carried out by means of magnetic waves. Theinductive transmission was selected especially for the energytransmission, for example, for an accumulator in the hand-held receiverapparatus, but can also be carried out for transmitting transmittertechnical signals. Electromagnetic waves, particularly visible orinfrared light, are used for the transmitter technical transmission andfor the transmission of control signals. Sender/receiver diodes, whichare separated merely by means of a transparent window, will be installedin the hand-held receiver apparatus as well as in the insert part. Thewindow serves as protective arrangement for protecting from thepenetration of fluids and/or foreign bodies. This embodiment alsoprovides an excellent protection when the hand-held receiver apparatusis set in place. This construction can be built problem-free andwater-tight, particularly in the connection with the inductive energytransmission.

What is claimed is:
 1. A telephone apparatus comprising: a hand-heldtelephone unit; a shell for housing said telephone unit, said shellbeing shaped so as to be readily graspable by hand, wherein saidhand-held telephone unit is removable from said shell, said shellincluding a quiver at a lower portion of said shell for engaging a frontof said hand-held telephone unit and being swivel-mounted relative tosaid shell between an open position and a closed position, saidhand-held telephone unit being removable from said quiver in said openposition, at least one function key being provided on said quiver; and amount to which said shell is engageable.
 2. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein said at least one function key is identifiable bynon-visual means.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein eachsaid at least one function key is uniquely shaped so as to beidentifiable by touch.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid at least one function key is operable to dial a preprogrammedtelephone number.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein saidpreprogrammed telephone number corresponds to at least one of emergencyservices, vehicle breakdown services, travel information services, andtraffic information services.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said at least one function key is protected from inadvertentactuation.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said at leastone function key is recessed from a surface of said shell.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 7, wherein said shell includes a ridgeprovided on a periphery of said at least one function key.
 9. Theapparatus according to claim 6, wherein said shell includes a ridgeprovided on a periphery of said at least one function key.
 10. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said shell includes a connectorfor establishing an electrical connection with said mount.
 11. Theapparatus according to claim 10, wherein said connector is constructedand arranged to transmit at least one of a communication signal andelectrical power.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidtelephone unit and said shell having corresponding connectors fortransmitting a communication signal.
 13. The apparatus according toclaim 12, wherein at least one said connector is resistant topenetration by liquid and solid contaminants.
 14. The apparatusaccording to claim 12, wherein said connectors establish a connectiontherebetween without physical contact therebetween.
 15. The apparatusaccording to claim 12, wherein at least one said connector is covered bya sliding cover member when the telephone unit is not housed in saidshell.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said slidingcover member is a resiliently-biased cover member constructed andarranged to be biased towards a position in which said cover membercovers said at least one connector and to be displaced from saidposition by the engagement of said telephone unit in said shell.
 17. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said shell includes a speakermechanism and a microphone mechanism whereby the combination of saidtelephone unit housed in said shell is functional as a telephone. 18.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said shell has at least onefunction display element.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 18,wherein said quiver has at least one function display element.